Paintball marker loader apparatus

ABSTRACT

A loader apparatus for use with a paintball marker having a paintball inlet is provided. The loader apparatus includes a base attachable to the paintball marker, a cartridge removably attachable to the base, a motive means and a delivery conduit. The cartridge includes a chamber for paintballs. The chamber has a paintball outlet. The cartridge further includes a flow assistor. The motive means is operatively connected to the flow assistor when the cartridge is attached to the base. The delivery conduit is in flow communication with the paintball outlet of the chamber and with the paintball inlet of the paintball marker when the cartridge is attached to the base and the base is mounted to the paintball marker.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No.09/901,589, filed on Jul. 11, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,293, which isstill pending, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to loader apparatuses for paintballmarkers, and more particularly the invention relates to apparatuseswhich include removable paintball cartridges.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Paintball games are today played with sophisticated paintball markersthat can shoot as fast as the finger can pull the trigger. The marker isequipped with a fixed bulk loader which is mounted onto the paintballinlet of the marker. The paintballs are gravity fed from the loader intothe paintball inlet of the marker often with the aid of a motorized flowassistor paddle or wheel located in the loader. The flow assistor isactivated when a sensor in the neck of the loader senses an absence ofpaintballs leading down into the paintball inlet of the marker.

Many problems exist with these conventional loaders. Because thepaintballs are gravity fed, the paintball marker must be held in asubstantially vertical orientation in order that paintballs can be fedinto the marker. As the angle of orientation of the marker changes awayfrom the vertical, the efficiency of the paintball feed is reduced. Atsome critical angle, which varies depending on the design of the loader,paintball feed into the inlet of the marker, stops completely, makingthe marker ineffective. Furthermore, the sensors located in the neck ofthe loader, upon detecting the lack of paintball flow, will activate theflow assistor in an attempt to initiate paintball flow. The noise causedby the flow assistor actuation can inadvertently give away the locationof the game player to others. While the activation of the flow assistoris important to maintain paintball flow, it is advantageous to reducethe frequency of activation to reduce the risk of disclosing theplayer's location to others. Furthermore, when a player moves a markerwith a partially full loader, the paintballs inside the loader canrattle, also giving away the player's location.

Another common problem with conventional loaders is that the process forrefilling an empty loader is both cumbersome and time consuming. The endcap on the loader must be opened and the player must fill the loader bypouring paintballs from a paintball storage tube, which is typicallycarried on the player's belt. The reloading process, while slow, is alsoprone to causing unwanted noise.

Another problem with conventional loaders is that the power source forthe motor can fail during play, and is difficult and time consuming toreplace. The power source can fail for several reasons, including ahardware failure or malfunction, or because the battery has beendepleted of its stored energy.

Consequently, there is a need for a paintball loader apparatus for amarker that has at least one of the following features: the loaderenables the marker to be operated in any orientation; the loader reducesunwanted noise from the flow assistor device and from the paintballs;and the loader enables the player to reload the loader with newpaintballs and with a fresh power source quickly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a loader apparatus foruse with a paintball marker having a paintball inlet. The loaderapparatus includes a cartridge, a motive means and a delivery conduit.The cartridge includes a chamber for paintballs. The chamber has apaintball outlet. The cartridge further includes a flow assistor. Themotive means is operatively connected to the flow assistor when thecartridge mounted in communication with the delivery conduit. Thecartridge is removably attachable with respect to the delivery conduitfor communication of paintballs therewith. The delivery conduit isconnectable with the paintball inlet of the marker.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the loadermay further include a pressurizing member in the chamber of thecartridge. The pressurizing member pushes paintballs in the chambertowards the paintball outlet.

In another preferred embodiment, the loader includes a base to which thecartridge is removably connectable, and which includes the deliveryconduit.

In a second aspect, the invention is directed to a loader apparatus foruse with a paintball marker having a paintball inlet, the loaderapparatus including a cartridge and a delivery conduit. The cartridgeincludes a chamber for paintballs. The chamber has a paintball outletand a pressurizing member for maintaining a force on the paintballs inthe chamber to urge the paintballs in the chamber towards the paintballoutlet. The pressurizing member is adapted to contact a plurality ofpaintballs simultaneously. The cartridge is removably connectable withrespect to the delivery conduit for communication of paintballs from thepaintball outlet of the chamber to the delivery conduit. The deliveryconduit is fluidically connectable to the paintball inlet of thepaintball marker for communication of paintballs therewith.

In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a belt for usewith a paintball loader apparatus having a base for the mounting ofcartridges of paintballs. The belt includes a strap and at least onecartridge mounting assembly connected to the strap. The cartridgemounting assembly is adapted for holding a cartridge. In a preferredembodiment of the third aspect, the belt includes at least one batterypack mounting assembly connected to the strap, for holding a batterypack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only withreference to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of a loader apparatus in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 a is a side view of the loader apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with anoptional set of adapters for connecting the loader apparatus to apaintball marker;

FIG. 2 a is a bottom plan view of the cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 b is a top plan view of the cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 a is a side view of the outlet portion of the cartridge of FIG. 1and the inlet portion of the delivery conduit of FIG. 1, when thecartridge is removed from the base;

FIG. 4 b is a side view of the outlet and inlet portions shown in FIG. 4a, when the cartridge is mounted on the base; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a storage belt for cartridges andbattery packs:

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a cartridge in accordance with analternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a base in accordance with an alternativeembodiment of the present invention

FIG. 8 a is a sectional side view of a loader apparatus in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 b is an end view of a flow assistor shown in FIG. 8 a;

FIG. 9 a is a sectional side view of a loader apparatus in accordancewith yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 b is an end view of a flow assistor shown in FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 10 a is a sectional side view of a loader apparatus in accordancewith yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 b is an end view of a flow assistor shown in FIG. 10 a;

FIG. 11 a is a side view of the loader shown in FIG. 1, with an optionalmechanism to facilitate removal of the cartridge from the base, in afirst position prior to actuation of the mechanism;

FIG. 11 b is a side view of the loader shown in FIG. 1, with an optionalmechanism to facilitate removal of the cartridge from the base, in asecond position after actuation of the mechanism;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the loader shown in FIG. 1, with anotheroptional mechanism to facilitate removal of the cartridge from the base;and

FIG. 13 is a side view of the loader shown in FIG. 1, with optionaldisplay indicators relating to the status of certain parameters ofoperation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is first made to FIG. 1 which illustrates a loader apparatus10 made in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention and which will be used for the purposes of describing theoperational aspects of the invention.

Loader 10 is used to hold paintballs 12 and load paintballs 12 intopaintball marker 14. Loader 10 comprises a paintball cartridge 16, abase 18 and a delivery conduit 20 which communicates with paintballinlet 22 of paintball marker 14.

The delivery conduit 20 may connect to the inlet 22 of the marker 14 inany suitable way, such as by friction fit. Referring to FIG. 1 a, anadapter 24 may be included to connect the delivery conduit 20 to theinlet 22. The adapter 24 may be a separate component, or mayalternatively be attached to either the loader 10 or to the marker 14.

The loader 10 may include one or more adapters 24 to permit the conduit20 to mount to paintball marker inlets 22 having different sizes. Somemarker inlets 22 may have different inlet sizes. Also, some markers mayhave similar inner diameters for passing paintballs 12, but may havedifferent outer diameters. The outer surfaces of such marker inlets 22may also have different shapes. For example, the outside perimeter ofthe marker inlet may be square. The adapters 24 permit the loader 10 tomount to a greater range of markers, than the loader 10 would otherwisebe mountable thereto. In an alternative embodiment not shown, a singleadapter could be provided that, that is adjustable in size to permit theloader 10 to mount to inlets of different sizes. The adapters 24 maymount to marker inlets 22 by various means, such as by friction fitaround a marker inlets. The adapters 24 may similarly connect to thedelivery conduit 20 of the loader 10 by friction fit around the deliveryconduit 20, or by any other suitable type of connection, such as abayonet mount.

Cartridge 16 is removable from base 18 so that when cartridge 16 isempty, a user or player may remove cartridge 16 and replace it with anew one upon base 18. Cartridge 16 comprises a chamber 30 with an outlet32, a flow assistor 34 and a pressurizing member 36. Chamber 30 holdspaintballs 12. The chamber 30 may be sized to hold any suitable numberof paintballs 12, in accordance with the needs of the player.

An outlet 32 is included in the front wall of chamber 30 andcommunicates with delivery conduit 20. Pressurizing member 36 maintainsa force on paintballs 12 to push paintballs 12 towards outlet 32 ofchamber 30. Pressurizing member 36 comprises a pressure plate 38 whichis slidable within chamber 30, and a spring 40. Spring 40 acts onpressure plate 38, which contacts paintballs 12, to maintain acompressive force on paintballs 12. Spring 40 is conical shaped whichreduces the compressed length of spring 40 thereby reducing the overallsize of cartridge 16. By maintaining a compressive force on paintballs12 the loader apparatus eliminates unwanted noise that can occur fromthe jiggling of paintballs within a partially full loader of the priorart. Such unwanted noise can inadvertently give away a player's positionduring a paintball game.

The spring 40 may alternatively be replaced by any other suitablemechanism. For example, an air bladder (not shown) may alternatively beused instead of a spring. The air bladder may be connected to the airtank (not shown) of the marker 14 and may receive a suitable pressure ofair for pushing the pressure plate 38 towards the paintballs 12 to urgethem towards the outlet 32.

The pressurizing member 36 is configured to contact a plurality ofpaintballs 12 simultaneously. Furthermore, the pressurizing member 36can act on a plurality of paintballs 12 simultaneously without the needto have the paintballs 12 organized in any specific way in the chamber30. Thus, the paintballs 12 may be randomly positioned in the chamber30. This is advantageous, in that the user is not required to fill thechamber 30 in any special way. Instead, the chamber 30 may be refilledby simply pouring the paintballs 12 therein.

The fixed end of spring 40 is connected to an end cap 42. End cap 42 isremovable from body 44 of cartridge 16 so that cartridge 16 isrefillable with paintballs 12, preferably when the player is not engagedin play. End cap 42 and body 44 are preferably joined using abayonet-style connection 45. However, any other style of connection thatwould enable end cap 42 to be removably attached is acceptable.Cartridge 16 also has an end wall 46 which has an opening 48 surroundedby a bearing portion 49.

The cartridge 16 may alternatively be refilled with paintballs 12 byother means. For example, the cartridge 16 may open at the end with theopening 48. Paintballs 12 may be inserted into the cartridge 16 via theopening 48. In this alternative, the end cap 42 may be replaced by afixed end that is preferably integral with the body 44.

As a further alternative, the cartridge 16 may split along a line thatis coincident with the entrance into the flow assistor 34. As anotheralternative, the cartridge 16 may include a porthole door that can beopened for refilling the chamber 30 with paintballs 12. In suchembodiments, it may be advantageous for the pressurizing member 36 to beselectably lockable in a retracted position to facilitate loading ofpaintballs 12 in the chamber 30. A suitable locking mechanism (notshown) may be provided for this purpose. Once the chamber 30 is loader,the locking mechanism may be released permitting the pressurizing member36 to act on the paintballs 12.

The body 44 and cap 42 of the cartridge 16 may be made from any suitablematerial, such as an organic polymer. The body 44 may be assembled byany suitable means, such as by bonding by, for example glue or epoxy, bysnap-fit, by fasteners, such as screws, by ultrasonic ‘Welding’, or byfriction fit. Alternatively, the body 44 may be a single piece that ismolded, such as by injection molding. The cap 42 may be a single piecethat may be molded by, for example, injection molding.

Flow assistor 34 is used to assist the flow of paintballs 12 out ofoutlet 32 by rotating, causing agitation of paintballs 12. The agitationthereby prevents paintballs 12 from wedging at outlet 32. Flow assistor34 comprises a generally funnel-shaped agitation surface 50 which has alarge end 52 which is slightly smaller in diameter than the insidediameter of chamber 30 and an annular small end 54 which is attached toa discharge tube 56. Agitation surface 50 includes surfaceirregularities 58 which include bosses 60 and dimples 62. Tube 56 passesthrough opening 48 in end wall 46 and is connected to an annular gear66. Tube 56 and gear 66 have an inside tubular surface 68, the outlet ofwhich is outlet 32. Tubular surface 68 is of a larger diameter thanpaintballs 12 but small enough to prevent wedging of paintballs 12.

Base 18 houses the drive and controls for flow assistor 34. Base 18comprises a motive means 70 driving a driven means 72, a controller 74and a cartridge mounting surface 76. As w 11, delivery tube 20 is formedintegrally with base 18. Base 18 mounts to paintball marker 14 byengaging delivery conduit 20 with marker inlet 22.

The housing of the base 18 is shown at 79. The housing 79 may be madefrom any suitable material, such as an organic polymer. The housing 79may be assembled by any suitable means, such as by bonding by, forexample glue or epoxy, by snap-fit, by fasteners, such as screws, byultrasonic ‘welding’, or by friction fit. Alternatively, the housing 79may be a single piece that is molded, such as by injection molding.

The motive means 70 may be an electric motor, or may alternatively beany suitable motive means. For example, the motive means 70 may be anair motor (ie. a motor that operates using compressed gas pressureinstead of electricity). The motive means 70 may alternatively be aspring or some other potential energy storage device. For example, ifthe motive means 70 is a spring, it could be a torsion spring that couldbe wound up to store sufficient energy to rotate the flow assistor 34for a selected period of time or a selected number of rotations.

Driven means 72 transfers rotational power from motive means 70 to gear66 for driving flow assistor 34. Driven means 72 includes a drive pulley80, a driven pulley 82, a belt 84, a shaft 86, and a gear 88. Pulley 80may be driven directly by motive means 70 and drives pulley 82 by meansof belt 84. Shaft 86 extends from the centre of pulley 82 connectingpulley 82 to gear 88. Gear 88 contacts gear 66 when cartridge 16 ismounted on base 18, to drive gear 66 and flow assistor 34. Gear 66 is asecond driven means for operatively connecting flow assistor 34 tomotive means 70.

It is alternatively possible for any driven means to replace the drivenmeans 72. For example, the belt 84 may be a toothed belt and the pulleys80 and 82 may be toothed, providing improved grip. As another example,the pulleys 80 and 82 and the belt 84 may be replaced by a gear train,which may include two or more gears.

To assist in the meshing of gears 88 and 66 when cartridge 16 is mountedon base 18, there is play in the fit between gear 88 and gear 66.Furthermore gears 88 and 66 may also include chamfering of the edges ofthe gear teeth to further assist in their meshing. As well, becausepulleys 80 and 82, and belt 84 are incorporated into driven means 72,gear 88 can be rotated as required, taking advantage of belt slippage,in order to further assist in the meshing of gears 88 and 66.

Delivery conduit 20 has an interior surface 90 that defines a passageway91. Passageway 91 has a diameter larger than paintballs 12 but not solarge as to allow the wedging of paintballs 12.

Sensors 92 may be spaced along the entire length of passageway 91 tosense the presence of paintballs 12 within passageway 91.

The sensors 92 communicate with the controller 74 to indicate whether ornot paintballs 12 are present in the delivery conduit 20.

Sensors 92 send signals to controller 74 through electrical conduits 94.The sensors 92 may be mounted flush with surface 90 of the passageway91. Alternatively, the sensors 92 may be embedded within the conduit 20,and may be recessed from the surface 90.

The sensors 92 may be mounted into apertures that are provided in theconduit 20. Alternatively, the sensors 92 may be molded directly intothe conduit 20.

Sensors 92 may be infrared sensors or any other sensors that will detecta body such as a paintball 12. For example, some alternative types ofsensor that could be used are proximity sensors, lever-trip sensors,vibration sensors or tilt sensors.

On the bottom of base 18 is a battery pack mounting surface 98. Abattery pack 102 may be removably attached to base 18 and supplies powerto controller 74 and to motive means 70 through electrical conduit 104.

It is alternatively possible for the battery pack 102 to be remote fromthe rest of the loader 10. For example, in an embodiment that is notshown, the battery pack 102 may be worn on a belt, and the electricalconduit 104 may be an insulated wire that extends outwards from the base18 to connect to the battery pack 102.

As a further alternative the battery pack 102 may mount to the markeritself and to connect to the base 18 by means of an outwardly extendingelectrical conduit 104.

The battery pack 102 includes a housing 103 and includes a plurality ofbatteries 105. The batteries 105 may be any suitable batteries, and maybe rechargeable. For example, the batteries 105 may be, for example,Lithium ion, Nickel metal hydride, or Nickel Cadmium. The batteries 105may instead comprise a fuel cell.

In embodiments where the battery pack 102 is rechargeable, the loadermay further include a photo-voltaic cell or cell array (not shown) whichmay be mounted on the exterior of the loader 10 or the marker 14 forgathering light and converting the light to energy for recharging thebattery pack 102. In this way, the battery pack 102 may be rechargedduring play, particularly when such play is outside.

Alternatively, the batteries 105 may be non-rechargeable, such asalkaline batteries, and may be removable from the battery pack 102 fordisposal and replacement. As a further alternative, the entire batterypack 102 may be disposable.

Instead of having a plurality of batteries 105, the battery pack 102 mayhave a single battery 105. The single battery 105 may be sized andconfigured based on the contained volume of the battery pack housing103.

The battery pack 102 may generate any suitable voltage. For example, thebattery pack 102 may generate 5V to operate the loader. Alternatively,the battery pack 102 may generate some other voltage, such as 48V. Inembodiments where the battery pack 102 generates a higher voltage thanis required for operation of some or all of the electrical components ofthe loader 10, then the voltage may be reduced by a suitable device,such as a voltage regulator, that may be included in the controller 74or that may be separate from the controller 74.

The electrical conduit 104 may connect to the battery pack 105 by anysuitable means, such as by contact plates, which may be fixed, or whichmay be resilient. Another suitable means would be battery clips, whichclip to the battery terminals. Other suitable means such as protrusions,bumps and the like may be alternatively used.

A connector 109 connects the battery pack 102 to the base 18. Theconnector 109 may be any suitable type of connector, such as, forexample, a magnet 100 and a member 108 that is magnetically attracted tothe magnet 100. The magnet 100 may be in the form of a plate that isflush-mounted on the battery pack mounting surface 98. The magnet 100may be any type of magnet, such as a permanent magnet, or anelectromagnet.

The member 108 is mounted on the housing 103 of the battery pack 102.The member 108 may be any material that is attracted to a magnet. Forexample, the member 108 may be another magnet. Alternatively, the member108 may be a material that is non-magnetic. For the purposes of thisdisclosure, a non-magnetic material is a material that is not inherentlymagnetic. However, a non-magnetic material may become magnetic when itis in contact with a magnetic material. For example, carbon steel is notinherently magnetic, however, it is attracted to magnets, and can becomemagnetic when in contact with a magnetic material.

The magnet 100 may be positioned on the base 18 and the member 108 maybe positioned on the battery pack 102, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternativelyhowever, the magnet 100 may be positioned on the battery pack 102, andthe member 108 may be positioned on the base 18.

The connector 109 may be another types of connector instead of themagnet 100 and member 108. For example, the connector 109 may include ahook-and-loop fastener, whereby a hook portion is mounted on one of thebase 18 or the battery pack 102 and the loop portion is mounted on theother of the base 18 or the battery pack 102. Alternatively, theconnector may include a latch mechanism or a clip mechanism to clip thebattery pack 102 to the base 18.

Controller 74 receives signals from sensors 92 and operates motive means70 to rotate flow assistor 34 when any of sensors 92 do not detect apaintball 12, suggesting that passageway 91 is not full of paintballs12. Controller 74 also regulates the voltage of power from battery pack98 to motive means 70. As well, controller 74 monitors the power levelin battery pack 98, and activates a warning indicator 110 giving noticeto the user, so that the user can change the old battery pack 102 for afresh one. Warning indicator 110 is preferably located towards the rearof base 18, so that it can be viewed by the user, but is at leastpartially hidden from view by others. Warning light 110 is connected tocontroller 74 by an electrical conduit 111.

Reference is made to FIG. 13, which shows a plurality of otherindicators 115 that may optionally be included on the loader 10 inaddition to the warning indicator 110. The indicators 115 include afirst indicator 115 a which indicates whether power is on or off, asecond indicator 115 b which indicates a condition wherein the cartridgehas few balls remaining, a third indicator 115 c which indicates whenthe cartridge is empty, and a fourth indicator 115 d to indicate whetherthe battery pack 102 is low in stored energy.

The indicators 115 may be any type of indicator, such as, for example,LEDs (light emitting diodes) or conventional bulbs. They mayalternatively be part of an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen.

The indicators 115 may be arranged in any way to suit the needs of theuser.

As a further alternative, one or more of the indicators 115 may indicatea condition using some other means than displaying the information. Forexample, the indicators 115 c and 115 d may comprise a vibrator devicethat could be activated to notify the user that a low-balls condition ora low battery condition exists. The vibrator device may vibrate inseveral different ways to indicate the exact condition without the needfor the user to take time and look at the display. A vibrator device isalso advantageous over indicators of the prior art that emit sounds toindicate a condition, since sound indicators can give away a player'sposition inadvertently.

Referring to FIG. 1, an on/off switch 112 is included on base 18, andprovides the player with manual control for turning controller 74 on andoff. In the exemplary preferred embodiment, power must pass throughcontroller 74 to reach motive means 70. If switch 112 is in the ‘off’position, then power is not sent to controller 74 and motive means 70,and if switch 112 is in the ‘on’ position, then power is sent tocontroller 74, which can in turn send power to motive means 70. On/offswitch 112 may be connected to controller 74 by an electrical conduit113. The on/off switch 112 may operatively control the electricalconnection between the battery pack 102 and the controller 74, oralternatively, between the battery pack 102 and the motive means 70.

The on/off switch 112 may be any suitable kind of switch. For example,the on/off switch 112 may be a toggle switch, a push button, amicro-switch, a membrane or a solid state switch. The switch 112 may bepositioned anywhere on the loader 10 suitable for its intended purpose.

Reference is made to FIGS. 2 a, 2 b and 3, which show cartridge 16 andbase 18 separately. As shown in FIGS. 2 a and 3, the exterior ofcartridge 16 includes a mating surface 114 which mates with mountingsurface 76 of base 18. Mating surface 114 includes two locator bosses118 and an activator boss 120. Mounting surface 76 of base 18 includestwo locating recesses 124 for receiving locator bosses 118 and anactivator switch 126 which is activated when contacted by activator boss120. Switch 126 effectively detects the presence of cartridge 16 bycontact with activator boss 120 and signals the presence to controller74.

A connector 125 is provided for releasably connecting the cartridge 16to the base 18. The connector 125 may include a magnet 122 mounted onthe base 18 and a member 116 mounted on the cartridge 16, that isattracted to the magnet 122. The connector 125 assists in retaining thecartridge 16 on the base 18, in addition to the locating bosses 118 andlocating recesses 124, which further assist in maintaining andpositioning cartridge 16 on base 18.

The member 116 may be a magnet itself, or it may be any material that isnot magnetic but is attracted to a magnet, such as carbon steel.

The magnet 122 may be positioned on the base 18 and the member 116 maybe positioned on the cartridge 16, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively,however, the magnet 122 may be positioned on the cartridge 16, and themember 116 may be positioned on the base 18.

The connector 125 may be another type of connector instead of the magnet122 and member 116. For example, the connector 125 may include ahook-and-loop fastener, whereby a hook portion is mounted on one of thebase 18 or the cartridge 16 and the loop portion is mounted on the otherof the base 18 or the cartridge 16. Alternatively, the connector mayinclude a latch mechanism or a clip mechanism to clip the cartridge 16to the base 18.

The connector 125 may also alternatively include a bayonet mechanism orthreaded connection for mounting the cartridge 16 to the base 18.

The member 116 may be made from a material that is a permanent magnet,and the magnet 122 may be made from a material that is not magnetic. Forexample, the magnet 122 may be made from carbon steel, which isattracted to magnets, but is not magnetic itself when positioned awayfrom any magnetic fields.

Referring to FIG. 1, when cartridge 16 is mounted on base 18 and boss120 is in contact with switch 126, a signal is sent to controller 74through electrical conduit 127 indicating that a cartridge 16 is presentand that motive means 70 can be operated as required. When cartridge 16is removed from base 18, then controller 74 is notified that cartridge16 is not present. In the event that controller 74 is prompted toactuate motive means 70, (for example, by sensors 92), motive means 70will only be actuated if controller 74 is signaled that a cartridge 16is present. Switch 126 is connected to controller 74 by an electricalconduit 127. Controller 74 operates motive means 70 when boss 120contacts switch 126 and prevents the actuation of motive means 70 whenboss 120 does not contact switch 126.

A summary description of the logic by which controller 74 operatesmotive means 70 will now be provided. When switch 112 is ‘off’, whenswitch 126 is not contacted by activator boss 120, or when battery pack102 does not have enough power, then controller 74 cannot operate motivemeans 70. When switch 112 is ‘on’, when switch 126 is contacted by boss120 and when battery pack 102 has enough power, controller 74 canoperate motive means 70. When any of sensors 92 detect a gap betweenpaintballs 12 in passageway 91, then controller 74 operates motive means70 (and flow controller 34), provided that switch 112 is ‘on’, batterypack 102 has enough power, and switch 126 is contacted by boss 120.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 b, cartridge 16 includes a boss 128 whichmates with a recess 129 on base 18. Boss 128 and recess 129 togetherwith magnet 122 and the member 116, and bosses 118 and recesses 124,help keep cartridge 16 positioned on base 18.

Alternatively, the cartridge 16 and base 18 may include matableirregularities on their respective mounting surfaces, which cooperate toretain the cartridge 16 in position on the base 18, instead of, or inconjunction with the connector 125, and the bosses 118 and recesses 124.

To remove the cartridge 16 from the base 18, the cartridge 16 may bereleased manually by the user. In other words, to remove the cartridgethe user may grip the cartridge and manually pull it away from the base.The removal operation can alternatively be automated to some degree.Referring to FIGS. 11 a and 11 b the attractive force between the magnet122 and the member 116 may be reduced or eliminated to facilitateremoval of the cartridge 16 from the base 18.

The reduction or elimination of the attractive force between the magnet122 and the member 116 may be accomplished in several other ways. Forexample, one or both of the magnet 122 and the member 116 may bemoveable so that the distance between them can be adjusted between afirst distance (see FIG. 11 a) wherein they are relatively close toprovide a relatively strong attractive force to retain the cartridge 16on the base 18 and a second position (see FIG. 11 b) wherein they arepositioned relatively far apart to reduce or substantially eliminate theattractive force between them to facilitate removal of the cartridge 16from the base 18.

Alternatively, the magnet 122 may be an electromagnet and may bedeactivated electrically. The member 116 in such an embodiment wouldpreferably be a non-magnet.

In the case when in FIGS. 11 a and 1 b, whereby the magnet 122 ismoveable, a motive means 400 for moving the magnet 122 between the firstand second positions is provided. The motive means 400 may include amechanical linkage that is manually actuated via a lever mounted on theexterior of the base 18. Alternatively, the motive means 400 couldinclude an electric actuator, such as a solenoid, for moving the magnet122.

A switch 402 may be operatively connected to the magnet 122 and/or themember 116 for initiating the reduction of the magnetic force betweenthe magnet 122 and the member 116. The switch 402 may be an electricalswitch or a mechanical switch. Examples of switch 402 include a toggleswitch, a button, a lever, a membrane and an electrically sensitivetouch surface.

The switch 402 may be positioned on the bas 18, particularly forembodiments where the switch operates the magnet 122. Particularly foran embodiment using an electric actuator, the switch 402 could bepositioned remotely from the base 18 so that it is more easilyaccessible by the same hand that is holding the marker 14, thus leavingthe other hand free to remove the cartridge 16. For example, the switch400 could be positioned on the marker 14 itself near the trigger andcould communicate with a control means, such as the controller 74 usingany suitable kind of wireless signal.

Referring to FIG. 12, the system for assisting in the removal of thecartridge 16 could alternatively Include a mechanical switch 400connected to a lever 404 that is positioned on the mounting surface 76,220 on the base 18. The lever 404 moves between a retracted positionwherein the cartridge 16 is permitted to be connected to the base 18,and an extended position, wherein the lever 404 projects outwards fromthe mounting surface 220 to urge the cartridge 16 away from the mountingsurface 76, 220. A suitable mechanical linkage is provided tooperatively connect the switch 400 and the lever 404.

Reference is made to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b which show a sectional side viewof gear 66 and discharge tube 56, and which show flow preventers 130 and131. As shown in FIG. 4 a, cartridge flow preventer 130 and base flowpreventer 131 prevent the spillage of paintballs 12 from outlet 32 andfrom the inlet of passageway 91 respectively, when cartridge 16 is notmounted on base 18. FIG. 4 b shows flow preventers 130 and 131 whencartridge 16 is mounted on base 18.

Cartridge flow preventer 130 comprises retractable stops. The stopsextend radially inwards from surface 68 to prevent the flow ofpaintballs out from outlet 32. The stops can be retracted, however, topermit the flow of paintballs out from the outlet 32. The stops includea plurality of arms 132 which are made from a resilient flexiblematerial. Such a material is preferably a resilient flexible polymer,which will not damage paintballs 12. Arms 132 are mounted fixed at oneend into surface 68 and include wedge shaped nubs 134. Nubs 134 projectinto outlet 32 as shown in FIG. 4 a when cartridge 16 is not mounted onbase 18, preventing the flow of paintballs 12 through outlet 32.Cartridge flow preventer 130 therefore prevents the flow of paintballs12 through outlet 32 when cartridge 16 is not mounted on base 18. Arecess 136 is included underneath the free end of each of arms 132.Recess 136 is sized so that if arm 132 is depressed as shown in FIG. 4b, no part of arm 132 or nub 134 would project into outlet 32. As shownin FIG. 4 b, when cartridge 16 is mounted on base 18, a passageway inlettube 137 which projects from base 18 and which communicates withpassageway 91, projects into outlet 32, pushing nubs 134 and arms 132into recesses 136, allowing paintballs 12 to flow through outlet 32.

When cartridge 16 is removed from base 18, the arms 132 return to theiroriginal position to extend radially inwards from surface 68, due totheir resiliency, so that they prevent the flow of paintballs 12 fromoutlet 32.

Base flow preventer 131 includes a leading edge surface 138 and atrailing edge surface 139. Preferably as shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b,surface 138 slopes smoothly from a diameter substantially equal to thatof tubular surface 68, to a diameter slightly larger than paintballs 12.The trailing edge surface 139 of flow preventer 131 is preferablycontoured to hold and partially cup a paintball 12, to inhibit paintball12 from rolling backwards out of the inlet of passageway 91. Together,surfaces 138 and 139 permit the entry of paintballs 12 into the inlet ofpassageway 91, but inhibit paintballs 12 from rolling out of the inletof passageway 91.

Reference is made to FIG. 5, which shows a belt 140 which can be worn bythe player and which stores both spent and full replacement cartridges16. Belt 140 comprises a strap 142, a closure 144 such as Velcro (TM), aplurality of mounting assemblies 146 for receiving spent or freshcartridges 16, and a plurality of mounting assemblies 148 for holdingspent or fresh battery packs 102. Mounting assembly 146 includes acomplementary portion to the connector portion that is present on thecartridge 16. For example, in the embodiment of the cartridge 16 thathas the member 116, then the mounting assembly 146 may include themagnet 122. Furthermore, the mounting assembly 146 includes two locatingrecesses 152 for receiving locating bosses 118 and a locating recess 154for receiving activator boss 120. As well, mounting assembly 146includes an opening 156 for gear 66.

Mounting assembly 148 includes a complementary portion to the connectorportion that is present on the battery pack 102. For example, in theembodiment of the battery pack 102 that has the member 108, then themounting assembly 146 may include the magnet 100.

Reference is made to FIGS. 6 and 7, which show a cartridge 200 and abase 202 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Cartridge 200 is similar to cartridge 16, except as follows.Cartridge 200 has a body 204 that is generally cylindrical about an axis206. A member 208 extends around the circumference of body 204. Adepression ring 210 extends around the circumference of body 204. Anactivator flange 212 extends radially outwardly from depression ring210, and preferably does not extend radially past the outer diameter ofbody 204. By having a flange 212 that does not extend past the outerdiameter of body 204, the flange is less prone to damage in the eventthat cartridge 200 is dropped. The forward end of cartridge 200 has achamfered surface 214 that extends around the circumference of body 204.

Base 202 is similar to base 18 (FIG. 1) except as follows. Base 202includes a generally part-cylindrically shaped cartridge mountingsurface 220 that is shaped to mate with the generally cylindrical shapedbody 204 of cartridge 200.

A connector for releasably connecting the cartridge 200 and base 202together may include a magnet 222 and a member 208 that is attracted tothe magnet 222. The magnet 222 may be generally part-cylindricallyshaped and may be incorporated into mounting surface 220. Magnet 222mates with a portion of member 208 on cartridge 200 to help holdcartridge 200 on base 202.

The member 208 may be a magnet itself, or it may be any material that isnot magnetic but is attracted to a magnet, such as carbon steel.

The magnet 222 may be positioned on the base 202 and the member 208 maybe positioned on the cartridge 200, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.Alternatively, however, the magnet 222 may be positioned on thecartridge 200, and the member 208 may be positioned on the base 202.

The connector may be another type of connector instead of the magnet 222and member 208. For example, the connector may include a hook-and-loopfastener, whereby a hook portion is mounted on one of the base 202 orthe cartridge 200 and the loop portion is mounted on the other of thebase 208 or the cartridge 200.

For example, the member 208 may be made from a material that is apermanent magnetic, and the magnet 222 may be made from a material thatis not magnetic. For example, the member 222 may be made from carbonsteel, which is attracted to magnets, but is not magnetic itself whenpositioned away from any magnetic fields.

Mounting surface 220 also includes a pair of raised ridges 224, whichdefine a groove 226. Inside groove 226 is an activation switch 228.Ridges 224 fit within a portion of depression ring 210 on either side offlange 212 on cartridge 200. Flange 212 is thus received in groove 226and contacts activation switch 228, to indicate to the controller (notshown) in base 202 that cartridge 200 is present. Base 202 also includesa chamfered hood portion 230, which receives chamfered edge 214 oncartridge 200. By having chamfered hood 214 and by having chamferedforward edge 214, the mounting of cartridge 200 onto base 202 isfacilitated. A hole 232 in base 202 receives gear 66 from cartridge 200,so that gear 66 can connect to the internal drive mechanism (not shown)within base 202. Battery pack 102 mounts as before to base 202.

Cartridge 200 can be mounted onto base 202, while cartridge 200 is inany circumferential orientation about axis 206, thus facilitating themounting of cartridge 200 onto base 202.

In a preferred embodiment, activator flange 212 is recessed indepression ring 210, and does not extend past the outer diameter of body204. Alternatively, however, body 204 may have no depression andactivator flange 212 may extend from body 204, thus extending past theouter diameter of body 204.

In a preferred embodiment, delivery conduit 20 is included integrallywith base 18. The loader can alternatively include a separate base andseparate delivery conduit. In this alternative embodiment, the deliveryconduit can mount to the inlet of a paintball marker separately, and thebase can connect to the delivery conduit. Cartridges, in turn, couldmount to the base, similarly to cartridges 16 and 200 and bases 18 and202. Alternatively, the separate delivery conduit can mount to the base,and then the base/conduit assembly can mount to the inlet of a paintballmarker.

Preferably, a plurality of sensors 92 are included within passageway 91.Alternatively, a single sensor may be included in passageway 91.

In a preferred embodiment, spring 40 and pressure plate 38 are used tourge paintballs 12 towards outlet 32. Alternatively, any otherpressurizing means can be used to maintain a compressive force onpaintballs 12 and to urge them towards outlet 32 while ensuring that thecompressive force is not so large as to damage paintballs 12.

In a preferred embodiment, tube 56 rotates directly against bearingportion 49. The apparatus can alternatively have a tube, a bearingportion and a bearing, (e.g. a ball bearing) in between the tube and thebearing portion. Any other suitable bearing means can be used.

In a preferred embodiment, flow assistor 34 includes agitation surface50 with bosses 60 and dimples 62 in order to agitate paintballs 12 andassist flow. In an alternative embodiment, the agitation surface mayinclude only bosses 60. In another alternative, the agitation surfacemay include only dimples 62. Alternatively, any other suitable flowassistance means may be used.

Reference is made to FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, which show a loader 300 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The loader300 includes a cartridge 301 and a base 302. The cartridge 301 may besimilar to the cartridge 34 (FIG. 1) except that the cartridge 301includes a flow assistor 303 instead of the flow assistor 34 (FIG. 1).The flow assistor 303 rotates about an axis A, and includes a pluralityof paintball guide chambers 304 (see FIG. 8 b) arranged in a polar arrayabout the axis A.

The guide chambers 304 may be defined by a generally conical surface 306and by radially extending fins 308. The guide chambers 304 are fedpaintballs 12 from the cartridge chamber, which is shown at 309 (FIG. 8a) as a result the force exerted thereon by the pressurizing member 36(FIG. 8 a). The guide chambers 304 are each sized to retain onepaintball 12.

An outlet 310 is positioned at a point along the swept surface of theflow assistor 303 on the wall of the chamber 309 (FIG. 8 a). The outlet310 is preferably positioned on the bottom of the chamber 309 (FIG. 8 a)so that gravity assists in the flow of paintballs 12 through the outlet310 when the marker 14 is in a typical orientation, which is generallylevel, as shown in FIG. 1.

The outlet 310 communicates with a conduit 314 in the base 302. Theconduit 314 in the base 302, in turn, communicates with the inlet of thepaintball marker (not shown). The conduit 314 defines a paintball flowpath to the inlet of the paintball marker (not shown). The conduit 314permits paintballs 12 to flow in a single row, and is sized to besufficiently large in cross-sectional size to permit flow of paintballs12 therein, but not so large as to risk jamming or wedging of twopaintballs 12 against each other therein.

A fixed guide wall 315 extends into the chamber 30 from the conduit 314to prevent paintballs 12 from passing over the outlet 310 withoutfalling therethrough.

The generally conical surface 306 facilitates the transfer of force fromthe pressurizing member 36 (FIG. 8 a) to paintballs 12 in the conduit314. Because the surface 306 is conical, paintballs 12 are urged towardsthe outer perimeter of the conical surface 306, as a result of thepressure applied to the paintballs 12 from the pressurizing member 36.The force that urges the paintballs 12 towards the outer perimeter ofthe conical surface 306 may be broken down into a vector addition of aradial component and an axial component. A portion of the radialcomponent of the force is transferred to the paintballs 12 in theconduits 312 and 314. The wall of the chamber 30 receives the rest ofthe radial component.

A gear 316 replaces the gear 66 (FIG. 1) on the cartridge 301. The gear316 may be similar to the gear 66 except that the gear 316 lacks apaintball feed conduit therethrough, which is present on the gear 66 ofFIG. 1. The gear 66 may be driven by the pinion gear 88 in the base 302.The pinion gear 88 is operatively connected to a motive means (notshown) in the base 302. Aside from the position of the paintball feedconduit 314, the base 302 may be similar to the base 18 (FIG. 1).

Reference is made to FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, which show a loader 318 whichhas the base 302 and a cartridge 320. The cartridge 320 may be similarto the cartridge 301 (FIGS. 8 a and 8 b), except that the cartridge 320has a flow assistor 321 which is a variation of the flow assistor 303(FIGS. 8 a and 8 b). The flow assistor 321 includes a shaft 322, whichis generally cylindrical and which connects to the gear 316 for rotationtherewith. The shaft 322 has a plurality of fins 323 thereon which formchambers 324 (see FIG. 9 b) for retaining paintballs 12 during therotation of the shaft 322. Th fins 323 are notched to clear a fixedguide wall 326 which extends into the cartridge chamber, which is shownat 328 (FIG. 9 a). Th fins 323 cooperate with the fixed guide wall 326to guide paintballs 12 out of the outlet, shown at 330.

The end of the shaft 322 that is present in the cartridge chamber 328may be coned, to guide the paintballs 12 into the chambers 324.

Reference is made to FIGS. 10 a and 10 b, which show a loader 332 whichhas the base 302 and a cartridge 334. The cartridge 334 may be similarto the cartridge 301 (FIGS. 8 a and 8 b), except that the cartridge 334has a flow assistor 338 instead of the flow assistor 303 (FIGS. 8 a and8 b). The flow assistor 338 may have a cone shaped portion 339 which hasa plurality of chambers 340 (FIG. 10 b) defined directly therein,instead of being defined by fins (see FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 9 a and 9 b). Thechambers 340 (FIG. 10 b) may have any suitable shape for retaining apaintball 12. The chambers 340 are provided with clearance to clear afixed guide wall 342 which extends into the cartridge chamber, which isshown at 344 (FIG. 10 a). The cone shaped portion 339 cooperates withthe fixed guide wall 342 to guide paintballs 12 out of the outlet, shownat 346.

The flow assistor 338 connects to the gear 316 for rotation therewith.

In the embodiments described above and shown in FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 9 a, 9b, 10 a and 10 b, wherein a fixed guide wall extends into the chamber30, the fixed guide wall may be made flexible and resilient so thatbreakage of paintballs 12 is inhibited during rotation of the flowassistor. The fixed guide wall has been described as being integral withthe cartridge. It is alternatively possible for the fixed guide wall tothe integral with the base 302.

The driven means 72 may further include an optional slippage mechanism89 therein (see FIG. 1). The slippage mechanism 89 may be configured sothat slip is prevented when the paintballs 12 flow in the normal fashionduring rotation of the flow assistor 34, and slip is permitted whenthere is a paintball jam if one should occur during rotation of the flowassistor. The slippage mechanism 89 may be incorporated for use with anyof the flow assistors described herein. Th slippage mechanism 89 may,for example, be incorporated on the output shaft of the motor 70 betweenthe motor 70 and the pulley 80.

In an alternative embodiment, the loader apparatus includes a cartridgeand base, the cartridge having paintball chamber 30 and flow assistor 34mounted therein, the flow assistor being driven by a motor, similar tothe embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In this alternative embodiment however,the cartridge may be fixed permanently to the base, or may be removabletherefrom.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, cartridge flow preventer 130comprises spring plungers, (eg. ball plungers), spaced circumferentiallyaround surface 68, instead of arms 132 and recesses 136. The plungerswould extend radially inwards in outlet 32 to prevent paintballs 12 fromspilling out of outlet 32, when the cartridge is not mounted to thebase. The plungers would be compressed out of the way by passagewayinlet 137, when the cartridge is mounted to the base, so that theplungers would not inhibit the flow of paintballs. As anotheralternative, cartridge flow preventer 130 can comprise resilient,flexible wires that would be shaped substantially as a mirror image toflow preventer 131. Such wires would preferably have a slope surfacesimilar to surface 138, so that they would be pushed radially out of theway by inlet 137 when the cartridge is mounted to the base.

In a preferred embodiment, magnets hold the cartridge on the base.Alternatively, a single magnet and a ferrous metallic plate could beused or a magnet and any other material that is attracted magneticallyto a magnet can alternatively be used. Alternatively, another retainingstructure may be used, such as a hook and loop fabric material (VelcroTM). Similarly, a magnet and a ferrous metallic plate, or a hook andloop fabric material can alternatively be used to hold the battery packto the base.

The term ‘electrical conduit’ has been used to denote an electricalconnection between several components, such as between sensors 92 andthe controller 74, and between the on/off switch 112 and the controller74. The electrical conduits that are used may be, for example, anelectrically conductive wire, or they may be an electrical conduit on ahard circuit board, or an electrical conduit on a flexible circuitboard.

In a preferred embodiment, the driven means include pulleys, a belt, andmeshing gears between motive means 70 and flow assistor 34.Alternatively, different driven means may be incorporated, such as amagnetic drive, or simply two gears.

In a preferred embodiment, the loader 10 is removable from the inlet 22of the marker 14. In an alternative embodiment, a marker (not shown) mayhave a delivery conduit that is permanently connected to the inlet ofthe body of the marker. The permanent connection may be as a result ofthe base 18 being integral with the marker inlet. Instead of beingintegrally formed with the marker inlet, the delivery conduit from theloader could be permanently mounted to the marker inlet by means of anadhesive or one or more fasteners, such as screws.

In a preferred embodiment, the battery pack 102 is removable from theloader 10 for replacement and for recharging in embodimentsincorporating rechargeable batteries 105. It is alternatively possible,however for the battery pack to remain fixed in the loader.

As another alternative that is not shown, the battery pack 102 may befixedly attached to the cartridge 16. As such, if either the batteries105 run out of power, or the cartridge runs out of paintballs 12, thenthe cartridge 16 may be removed and replaced quickly, so that a newcartridge 16 and a fresh battery pack 102 are provided at the same time.In this case, the cartridge 16 would include electrical contacts whichcontact electrical contacts in the base to connect the battery pack 102to the controller 74 and motive means 72. In this case, the battery pack102 may be removable from the cartridge 16 for recharging or mayalternatively be fixed in the cartridge 16 and may be recharged whileremaining within the cartridge 16.

In a preferred embodiment, the loader 10 includes a battery pack 102that mounts to the base 18. It is alternatively possible for the batterypack 102 to be omitted from the loader 10. For example, the motive meansfor the flow assistor 34 may be a spring, which would not require abattery pack 102. As another example, the loader 10 may alternatively beelectrically connected to the battery of the marker 14 itself (notshown). The marker may include a battery where there are electrical orelectronic components operating therein.

In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 16, 200 mounts above the base18, 202. In an alternative embodiment, the cartridge 16, 200 may mountin any suitable orientation relative to the base 18, 202. For example,the cartridge 16, 200 may mount on the side of the base 18, 202 or underthe base 18, 202. Furthermore, the base 18, 202 and cartridge 16, 200may together mount underneath the barrel of the marker 14, shown at 500in FIG. 1. By mounting the base 18, 202 and cartridge 16, 200 underneaththe barrel 500, the weight distribution of the assembly of the marker 14and the loader 10 is lowered so that the assembly is less top heavy thanwith an embodiment whereby the loader 10 mounts above the marker 14. Thedelivery conduit 20 in any case remains in communication with the inlet22 of the marker 14, which is typically on top of the marker 14. Thedelivery conduit 20 can be made flexible to accomplish the task ofconnecting the outlet 32 of the chamber 30 with the paintball inlet 22of the marker 14.

It has been described to provide a mechanism to inhibit paintballs fromspilling out of the outlet 32 of the chamber 30 when the cartridge isnot mounted on the base. It is alternatively possible to include aclosure (not shown) for the outlet 32 which can be opened eithermanually or automatically upon installation of the cartridge on thebase. The closure acts to prevent debris from entering the chamber 30when the cartridge is not mounted on the base.

The housings and some components of the base and cartridge have beendescribed as being made of a suitable plastic. It is alternativelypossible for the housings in particular and the delivery conduit to bemade from a suitable metal that is preferably lightweight.

In the embodiments described, a base has been included to which thecartridge mounts removably. It is alternatively possible to have thecartridge mount to any structure so that it is in flow communicationwith the paintball inlet of the marker 14. As such, any structure towhich the cartridge mounts removably is effectively a base in the sensethat that term is meant herein.

Providing a paintball loader apparatus with a pressurizing member topush the paintballs towards the outlet of the loader, reduces unwantednoise from the paintballs contained therein, and further allows thepaintball marker to be fired while in any orientation. Furthermore,providing the apparatus with a base and a quickly removable cartridgeprovides the user with the utility of a quick, inexpensive way ofrefitting the marker with a fresh paintball supply, while maintainingthe advantages inherent in a motorized discharging means. Furthermore,providing a quickly removable battery pack provides the user with theability to quickly replace the battery pack to continue game play.

As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, various modificationsand adaptations of the apparatus described above may be made withoutdeparture from the present invention, the scope of which is defined inthe appended claims.

1. A loader apparatus for use with a paintball marker, the loaderapparatus comprising: a cartridge, said cartridge including a chamberfor paintballs, said chamber having a paintball outlet, said cartridgefurther including a flow assistor, said flow assistor having a generallyfunnel-shaped surface, wherein said flow assistor is rotatable, whereinsaid surface includes irregularities for inhibiting jams in a flow ofpaintballs towards said paintball outlet during rotation of said flowassistor.
 2. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising a base, and said cartridge is removably connectable to saidbase.
 3. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said basefurther comprises a first mating surface, and said cartridge furthercomprises a second mating surface, which contacts said first matingsurface when said cartridge is mounted on said base, and said apparatusfurther comprises a connector for releasably holding said first andsecond mating surfaces together.
 4. A loader apparatus as claimed inclaim 3, wherein said connector comprises a magnet, and a material thatis magnetically attracted to said magnet.
 5. A loader apparatus asclaimed in claim 2, further comprising a motor, wherein the flowassistor is rotatable by said motor, and wherein said motor ispositioned in said base.
 6. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 2,wherein the loader apparatus further comprises a motor, wherein the flowassistor is rotatable by said motor, and wherein the loader apparatusfurther comprises a first driven means positioned in said base, whereinsaid motor is operatively connected to said first driven means, andfurther comprising a second driven means operatively connected to saidflow assistor, wherein said first driven means is operatively connectedto said second driven means when said cartridge is mounted to said base.7. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said loaderapparatus further comprises a pressurizing member for maintaining aforce on said paintballs in said chamber to urge said paintballs towardssaid paintball outlet.
 8. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 7,wherein said pressurizing member comprises a spring, said spring beingoperatively connected to said paintballs, so that said spring is adaptedto act on said paintballs to urge said paintballs towards said paintballoutlet.
 9. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said loaderapparatus further comprises a motor, wherein the flow assistor isrotatable by said motor, and wherein said loader apparatus furthercomprises a delivery conduit, wherein said delivery conduit ispositioned for communication of paintballs from said paintball outlet ofsaid chamber to a paintball inlet of said paintball marker, wherein saiddelivery conduit comprises at least one paintball sensor for detectingthe presence of paintballs in said delivery conduit, said at least onesensor is operatively connected to said motor so that said sensor sendsa signal to activate said motor when said sensor does not detect thepresence of a paintball.
 10. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 9,further comprising retractable stops positioned in said paintballoutlet, wherein said stops are retractable from said paintball outlet toallow the passage of paintballs by attachment of said cartridge to saidbase, and said stops are biased to extend into said outlet to preventthe passage of paintballs when said cartridge is unattached from saidbase.
 11. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said surfacecomprises a plurality of bosses.
 12. A loader apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said surface comprises a plurality of dimples.
 13. Aloader apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said surface comprises aplurality of bosses and dimples.
 14. A loader apparatus for use with apaintball marker having a paintball inlet, the loader apparatuscomprising: a) a cartridge including a chamber for paintballs, saidchamber having a paintball outlet; b) a base for connecting saidcartridge to said paintball inlet for enabling passage of paintballsfrom said chamber to said paintball inlet; c) a driven flow assistor forinhibiting jams in a flow of paintballs towards said paintball inlet;and d) a motive means for driving said flow assistor, wherein saidmotive means is operatively connectable to said flow assistor, whereinsaid motive means is mounted to one of said base and said marker, sothat said motive means is separate from said cartridge.
 15. A loaderapparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said flow assistor ispositioned at least partially in said chamber.
 16. A loader apparatus asclaimed in claim 14, wherein said loader apparatus further comprises apressurizing member for maintaining a force on said paintballs in saidchamber to urge said paintballs towards said paintball outlet.
 17. Aloader apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said pressurizingmember comprises a spring, said spring being operatively connected tosaid paintballs, so that said spring is adapted to act on saidpaintballs to force said paintballs towards said paintball outlet.
 18. Aloader apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said flow assistorcomprises a generally funnel-shaped surface surrounding said paintballoutlet, said generally funnel-shaped surface comprising surfaceirregularities for agitating paintballs.
 19. A loader apparatus asclaimed in claim 14, wherein said base has a first mating surface, andsaid cartridge has a second mating surface, which contacts said firstmating surface when said cartridge is mounted on said base, and saidloader apparatus further comprises a connector for releasably holdingsaid first and second mating surfaces together.
 20. A loader apparatusas claimed in claim 19, wherein said connector comprises a magnet, and amaterial that is magnetically attracted to said magnet.
 21. A loaderapparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said delivery conduitcomprises at least one paintball sensor for detecting the presence ofpaintballs in said flow conduit, said at least one sensor is operativelyconnected to said motive means so that said sensor activates said motivemeans when said sensor does not detect the presence of a paintball. 22.A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein said paintball outletcomprises retractable stops positioned in said paintball outlet, saidstops being adapted to retract from said paintball outlet to allow thepassage of paintballs when said cartridge is attached to said base, andsaid stops being adapted to extend into said outlet to prevent thepassage of paintballs when said cartridge is unattached from said base.23. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said motive meansis positioned in said base.
 24. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim14, wherein said motive means includes an electric motor positioned insaid base.
 25. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein saidbase is integrally connected to said paintball marker.
 26. A loaderapparatus for use with a paintball marker having a paintball inlet, theloader apparatus comprising: a cartridge, and a motive means, saidcartridge including a chamber for paintballs, said chamber having apaintball outlet, said cartridge further including a flow assistor,wherein said cartridge is removably connectable with respect to saidpaintball marker for communication of paintballs from said paintballoutlet of said chamber to said paintball inlet, wherein, when saidcartridge is connected with respect to said paintball marker, saidmotive means is operatively connectable to said flow assistor fordriving said flow assistor, and wherein said loader apparatus furthercomprises a pressurizing member for maintaining a force on saidpaintballs in said chamber to urge said paintballs towards saidpaintball outlet.
 27. A loader apparatus for use with a paintball markerhaving a paintball inlet, the loader apparatus comprising: a cartridge,and a motive means, said cartridge including a chamber for paintballs,said chamber having a paintball outlet, said cartridge further includinga flow assistor, wherein said cartridge is removably connectable withrespect to said paintball marker for communication of paintballs fromsaid paintball outlet of said chamber to said paintball inlet, wherein,when said cartridge is connected with respect to said paintball marker,said motive means is operatively connectable to said flow assistor fordriving said flow assistor, and wherein said flow assistor comprises agenerally funnel-shaped surface surrounding said paintball outlet, saidgenerally funnel-shaped surface comprising surface irregularities foragitating paintballs.
 28. A loader apparatus for use with a paintballmarker having a paintball inlet, the loader apparatus comprising: acartridge, wherein said cartridge includes a chamber for paintballs,said chamber defining a paintball outlet, wherein said cartridge ispositionable for communication of paintballs from said paintball outletof said chamber to said paintball inlet of said paintball marker, and apressurizing member for maintaining a force on said paintballs in saidchamber to urge said paintballs in said chamber towards said paintballoutlet, wherein said pressurizing member is adapted to contact aplurality of paintballs simultaneously, wherein said loader furthercomprises a base, wherein said cartridge is removably attachable to saidbase, and wherein said cartridge includes a flow assistor and saidloader apparatus further includes a motive means operatively connectableto said flow assistor when said cartridge is attached to said base. 29.A loader apparatus for use with a paintball marker having a paintballinlet, the loader apparatus comprising: a cartridge, wherein saidcartridge includes a chamber for paintballs, said chamber defining apaintball outlet, wherein said cartridge is positionable forcommunication of paintballs from said paintball outlet of said chamberto said paintball inlet of said paintball marker, and a pressurizingmember for maintaining a force on said paintballs in said chamber tourge said paintballs in said chamber towards said paintball outlet,wherein said pressurizing member is adapted to contact a plurality ofpaintballs simultaneously, wherein said pressurizing member comprises aspring, wherein said spring is operatively connected to said paintballs,so that said spring is adapted to act on said paintballs to urge saidpaintballs towards said paintball outlet.
 30. A loader apparatus for usewith a paintball marker, the loader apparatus comprising: a cartridge,said cartridge including a chamber for paintballs, said chamber having apaintball outlet, said cartridge further including a flow assistor, saidflow assistor having a paintball contact surface, wherein said flowassistor is rotatable, wherein said surface has a large diameter end anda small diameter end, wherein said small diameter end is downstream fromsaid large diameter end, wherein said surface generally tapers from saidlarge diameter end to said small diameter end, and wherein said surfaceincludes irregularities for inhibiting jams in a flow of paintballstowards said paintball outlet during rotation of said flow assistor. 31.A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 30, further comprising a base,and said cartridge is removably connectable to said base.
 32. A loaderapparatus as claimed in claim 30, wherein said surface comprises aplurality of bosses.
 33. A loader apparatus as claimed in claim 30,wherein said surface comprises a plurality of dimples.
 34. A loaderapparatus as claimed in claim 30, wherein said surface comprises aplurality of bosses and dimples.
 35. A loader apparatus for use with apaintball marker having a paintball inlet, the loader apparatuscomprising: a) a cartridge including a chamber for paintballs, saidchamber having a paintball outlet; b) a base for connecting saidcartridge to said paintball inlet for enabling passage of paintballsfrom said chamber to said paintball inlet, wherein said cartridge isremovably connectable to said base; c) a driven flow assistor forinhibiting jams in a flow of paintballs towards said paintball inlet;and d) a motor, wherein said base includes said motor, wherein saidmotor is operatively connectable to said flow assistor.